The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to provide patients with precisely the treatments they need to achieve the beautiful, symmetrical, healthy, and completely unique smiles they desire. For some patients, a subtle refinement may be all that is necessary to perfect their smiles, while others may require a more dramatic transformation. For both types of patients, and all in between, porcelain veneers may represent the ideal treatment solution.

At the Lansing cosmetic dentistry practice Smile by Stone, we offer porcelain laminate veneers of the highest quality to our valued patients. Porcelain veneers can be used to treat a single tooth that is discolored, cracked, misshapen, or otherwise aesthetically flawed, or they can be used on multiple teeth as the foundation of a stunning smile makeover. As with all treatments offered at Smile by Stone, our porcelain veneers are custom-crafted to satisfy the individual needs and goals of each patient.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile and want to know whether porcelain veneers might be right for you, we invite you to read on and then contact Dr. Scott Stone at his Lansing dental practice today.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Ultimately, porcelain veneers – also known as porcelain laminates – are the most natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing method of concealing cosmetic imperfections in teeth currently available. Meticulously crafted from the finest grade porcelain, veneers are fabricated to precise specifications so that they blend seamlessly into a patient’s smile in terms of size, color, shape, and even texture. At our cosmetic dentistry practice in Lansing, laminate veneers can also be used as a sort of “instant orthodontics,” leading to a straighter smile and healthier bite. Once bonded to the front surfaces of teeth, porcelain veneers mask such flaws as stains, chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth.

Why Do Porcelain Laminate Veneers Look So Natural

Unlike any other material used in dental restorations, porcelain shares the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. Like natural enamel, porcelain is translucent, meaning that it allows some light to filter through its surface rather than simply reflecting all light. Porcelain can also be colored to look like natural teeth; patients who prefer to have only one or two veneers placed while leaving the surrounding teeth untreated don’t have to worry about their veneers appearing unnaturally white. It should be noted, however, that porcelain is highly resistant to staining, so many of our patients choose to have their surrounding teeth whitened and then have their veneers customized to match their newly rejuvenated teeth.

Alternatives to Veneers

For patients who are looking for an alternative to porcelain veneers, we also offer dental bonding at our practice in Lansing. Porcelain veneers are not reversible; they require the removal of a small amount of enamel before they can be bonded to the surfaces of teeth. Conversely, dental bonding involves the application of a composite resin material to the teeth and does not require substantial alteration of natural tooth matter. While dental bonding is not as durable or as natural-looking as porcelain veneers, it is less expensive and does produce outstanding results.

For side and back teeth that are cosmetically or structurally damaged, dental crowns will probably be the recommended treatment option.

Learn More about Porcelain Laminates

If you would like to learn more about porcelain laminate veneers at our practice in Lansing, please contact Smile by Stone today.